WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS OF FAITH Community Group
A place where people of faith may freely discuss issues of grief from a faith based perspective.
Yesterday was a very long day. My younger brother had open heart surgery
( quadruple bypass ) and, thanks to God and an excellent surgeon, he is
doing well.
This Friday will be exactly 9 months since my wife passed.
Debbie loved all types of animals and for 30+ years she had an assortment
of horses, dogs, cats and even a raccoon.
One of her favorite pets in recent years was Gandalf the Cat. He was a bit
cantankerous at times and was a “ one person “ cat and stayed close to my
wife at all times. He was approaching 14 years old when my wife passed at
the end of last August. Since then, Gandalf stayed by her recliner and wouldn’t
move. It was evident he was looking for her 24/7.
My oldest granddaughter noticed he was going downhill in recent weeks. A vet
said he could put him down but it was likely he would pass soon from old age. My
granddaughter began to talk to my wife and asked her to talk to God and see if
she could come and take Gandalf. As creatures created by God, many people
believe animals exist in Heaven. Many, many books ( including “ HEAVEN “ by
Randy Alcorn ) address this subject
My granddaughter and I arrived home late last night and Gandalf had passed. He
was stretched out as though he was asleep and looked so peaceful and was still
warm. People can interpret it however they may wish but it was striking to us that
he “ resting “ in the exact same spot in the living room where my wife passed.
As my wife did many times over the years with her beloved animals, we placed a
chain with a cross around his neck and we buried him in our “ pet cemetery “ in
the back animals, we placed a chain with a cross around his neck and we buried
him in our “ pet cemetery “ in the back of our property.
A few days ago, I found a beautiful owl feather on the backside of our property. My
wife loved owls and always believed their feathers were messages were lot loved
ones. Some Native American have the same belief. I took it as a message from
her but didn't know the message. As we buried Gandalf the Cat, an owl began to
hoot softly from a tree branch far above us and continued until we completed the
burial process.
I try to place a positive spin on things these days as I battle with all of my endless
negative feelings involving the loss of my wife.
I like to think my wife had a part in the peaceful departure of Gandalf the Cat and
he is now with her as one of her beloved pets has reunited with her. Maybe she
visited our home before we returned.
Wouldn’t it be a glorious thing if that is true ? I like to think it is true as God does
some unusual things for those in need as we walk this dark and lonely road.
Blessings to all –
Darrell
( quadruple bypass ) and, thanks to God and an excellent surgeon, he is
doing well.
This Friday will be exactly 9 months since my wife passed.
Debbie loved all types of animals and for 30+ years she had an assortment
of horses, dogs, cats and even a raccoon.
One of her favorite pets in recent years was Gandalf the Cat. He was a bit
cantankerous at times and was a “ one person “ cat and stayed close to my
wife at all times. He was approaching 14 years old when my wife passed at
the end of last August. Since then, Gandalf stayed by her recliner and wouldn’t
move. It was evident he was looking for her 24/7.
My oldest granddaughter noticed he was going downhill in recent weeks. A vet
said he could put him down but it was likely he would pass soon from old age. My
granddaughter began to talk to my wife and asked her to talk to God and see if
she could come and take Gandalf. As creatures created by God, many people
believe animals exist in Heaven. Many, many books ( including “ HEAVEN “ by
Randy Alcorn ) address this subject
My granddaughter and I arrived home late last night and Gandalf had passed. He
was stretched out as though he was asleep and looked so peaceful and was still
warm. People can interpret it however they may wish but it was striking to us that
he “ resting “ in the exact same spot in the living room where my wife passed.
As my wife did many times over the years with her beloved animals, we placed a
chain with a cross around his neck and we buried him in our “ pet cemetery “ in
the back animals, we placed a chain with a cross around his neck and we buried
him in our “ pet cemetery “ in the back of our property.
A few days ago, I found a beautiful owl feather on the backside of our property. My
wife loved owls and always believed their feathers were messages were lot loved
ones. Some Native American have the same belief. I took it as a message from
her but didn't know the message. As we buried Gandalf the Cat, an owl began to
hoot softly from a tree branch far above us and continued until we completed the
burial process.
I try to place a positive spin on things these days as I battle with all of my endless
negative feelings involving the loss of my wife.
I like to think my wife had a part in the peaceful departure of Gandalf the Cat and
he is now with her as one of her beloved pets has reunited with her. Maybe she
visited our home before we returned.
Wouldn’t it be a glorious thing if that is true ? I like to think it is true as God does
some unusual things for those in need as we walk this dark and lonely road.
Blessings to all –
Darrell
Darrell
In my tribes animals have spirits and do accompany their humans, and are just as welcome in the after. The belief about owls are also the same as wise creatures that are watchful. An honor indeed to have one drop a feather to have seen your grief and the care you gave Gandolf ( Love the name btw) There was a Gandolf the grey and as later after he passed and came back Gandolf the white, even stronger, so a white owl feather seems to fit.
Gentle hugs while you sort your path on this journey.
J.
You and I have had conversations about the afterlife. And in scripture and several books animals are mentioned. They are part of God's creation and original purpose. In Heaven it is written that the lion will lay down with the sheep. And so on. So animals eating each other and hunting wasn't the original design but in Heaven we will have animals there to full fill the original intent.
My wife loved animals and did volunteer work with the animal shelter in our area. Actually became a foster parent fostering out animals. Needless to say we wound up adopting a lot of them.
I have our two dogs now who are my only company. And without them I would go insane. So God sends them to us for a purpose.
I believe your wife came and got the kitty to take him home with her. His race was over and time to go.
Peace, Tim
That is exactly the way I choose to look at it.
Blessings -
Darrell